Norwich Theatre is pleased to announce that Joe Tracini will be playing the role of Smee, and joining him will be Karl Queensborough, taking on the role of Captain Hook in this year’s pantomime, The All New Adventures of Peter Pan.
Local treasure YouTube star and The Times best-selling author Joe Tracini, known for his quick wit and infectious energy, will board the pirate ship as the lovable, confused and unpredictable sort-of pirate Smee.
Karl Queensborough makes a triumphant return to the Norwich Theatre pantomime stage following his 2023 performance as the Prince in Sleeping Beauty: The Fairy’s Tale. Karl played Alexander Hamilton in the West End production of Hamilton: An American Musical at Victoria Palace Theatre. He has also starred in The Crown on Netflix and Girl from the North Country. This year, Karl swaps his royal robes for a pirate’s coat, stepping into the boots of the ultimate panto baddie Captain Hook.
The production is set to fly into Norwich Theatre Royal on 5 December 2026, running through the heart of the festive season until 3 January 2027.
More casting to be announced soon.
Speaking about the role, Joe Tracini said: “Over the years, I’ve played Peter Pan more times than I can count, but Smee was secretly my favourite. So I’m incredibly excited to finally get to spend Christmas being the worst pirate in history at my favourite theatre in the world!
“When I first met Karl three years ago, I told him he’d make a great Captain Hook. I can’t wait to do panto with him.”
Speaking about playing Captain Hook, Karl Queensborough said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Norwich! I had such a blast playing Prince Charming in the 2023 panto, so when I was asked to play Captain Hook, I was over the moon. This is actually my first time playing a villain, and everyone knows the bad guys are the most fun to play.
“I’m going to be the baddest, meanest, most crooked Captain Hook you’ve ever seen. I want all the boos, so bring it on!”
Joe is also writing the script for The All New Adventures of Peter Pan, infusing the traditional pantomime format with chaos, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. Audiences can expect a fresh take on the classic Neverland tale, brimming with the festive spirit and high-energy mischief that have become the hallmark of a Norwich Theatre production.
Buckle up and get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt. Join Peter and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook in an epic adventure full of magic, mayhem, and mischief. With spectacular dancing, show-stopping musical numbers and more audience participation than you can shake a hook at, this is the Christmas treat that has something for everyone — kids, grown-ups, and the grown-ups who act like kids!
So gather your crew, and join us for the all-new, laugh-out-loud, high-flying Norwich Theatre pantomime adventure!
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan offers a range of accessible performances, including captioned, audio-described, BSL-interpreted, sensory-adapted, and an over-15s performance. Don’t forget you can spread the cost of your pantomime tickets with Pay in Instalments.
To book or to find out more, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office at 01603 630 000.
